Digital TV – TV aerials and connections (Freeview)
Digital terrestrial TV services such as Freeview come to your TV set via an aerial. Ideally this should be mounted outside and as high as possible. You may also get good reception if it is inside, for example in the loft, but a set-top aerial may not be satisfactory.
To get the best reception you need to make sure that your aerial is in good condition and is pointing towards the best local transmitter. An outdoor aerial can deteriorate or be knocked or blown out of its correct position, and cables and connections from the aerial to the TV set can become corroded. Older aerials, cables and connections may need replacing, especially if you live near the sea where corrosion can happen quickly.
Reception problems
Picture break-up, clicking sounds or no picture at all may mean that the signal reaching your set-top box or digital TV is too weak.
If you have had this problem for a long time, you may need to upgrade or replace your aerial.
If the problem has just started, try resetting your set-top box or digital TV. You can also use our reception problems tool to see if your local transmitter is currently being affected by maintenance work. If possible, check another TV set connected to a different aerial - for instance, at a neighbour's - to see if that has the same problem.
If only your set is affected:
- Make sure that your aerial lead is securely plugged into your set-top box or TV and check any other connections.
- If there is still no improvement, your aerial may be broken or out of alignment. If you can see your external aerial, look at whether it is pointing in the same direction as others nearby. You should have the aerial and its connections checked for faults.
Unlike analogue TV, you cannot get ghosting with digital TV.
Checking, repairing or installing an aerial
For help with aerials we would recommend using a professional installer. We cannot recommend individual installers but you may wish to seek advice from a recognised industry body, such as the Confederation of Aerial Industries (CAI). Alternatively visit the Website of Registered Digital Installers (RDI) who are accredited under a Government licensing scheme to install aerial systems for digital reception (some RDI installers may also be CAI members).
Communal aerials
If you share a communal aerial (for example, in a block of flats) and you are having reception problems, the aerial may be faulty. See if other residents using the same aerial have the same problem.
If you want to go digital, you may find that the communal aerial is not suitable and needs upgrading.
For queries about a communal aerial, you need to contact whoever is responsible for the building - the management company, council or landlord. There is information about digital switchover for landlords and property managers on the Digital UK website.
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